Stardew Valley developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has revealed he does not ask for any compensation when his fan-favorite farm sim collabs with different franchises, saying he solely does them as a result of “[he] was a fan of the opposite video games, or as a result of [he] genuinely thought gamers would really like it.”
The assertion comes as followers put together for a crossover occasion between Stardew Valley and Infinity Nikki, which matches dwell on September 1. Though we nonetheless do not actually perceive what this can contain, precisely, there are already some surprisingly blended reactions coming from the group, with some gamers upset in regards to the timing, suggesting it is an all-too-convenient distraction from the latest controversy round leakers.
“There have been just a few collaborations between Stardew Valley and different video games through the years,” Barone posted on X/Twitter yesterday. “To be clear, I by no means obtain any cash from these collabs. I’ve solely performed them as a result of I used to be a fan of the opposite video games, or as a result of I genuinely thought the gamers would really like it.”
Curiously, Infinity Nikki responded on to Barone from its official X/Twitter account.
“We actually admire you sharing your emotions on this. Any unintended stress was the very last thing we needed. It was our approach of claiming thanks — a free love letter to Stardew Valley from our group and for the group,” the message mentioned.
“Engaged on it felt like we have been all tending somewhat farm collectively. The care and element you pour into your world is strictly why we need to make cozy video games too. We’re nonetheless studying from you on daily basis.”
To be honest, it feels as if the fallout from the Stardew Valley collab is only a matter of unhealthy timing right here. The Infinity Nikki group has been sad ever since replace 1.5 added some controversial adjustments to the sport, resembling retconning Infinity Nikki’s story, and ramping up the time and money investments required to gather full outfits.
It isn’t that Barone does this all that usually, both. Stardew Valley has solely ever labored with a handful of different video games, resembling Balatro and Terraria.
Again in Might, Barone admitted that he “did not need to simply be the Stardew Valley man,” explaining that was why he is at the moment engaged on Haunted Chocolatier. We should not count on a launch date anytime quickly, although — there’s “nonetheless so much to be performed,” Barone just lately admitted, notably as he feels it is “obtained to be higher” than Stardew Valley.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and marketing consultant with 15+ years expertise working with among the world’s largest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.